MHS Speech & Debate Team Makes History at Nationals

MHS Speech & Debate Team Makes History at Nationals

The theme of the 2016 National Speech & Debate Tournament was “Set Your Sights High!” and that is exactly what Mason High School’s Speech & Debate team did in Salt Lake City from June 12-17. For the first time in school history, Mason won a 'School of Honor' award in speech for finishing 21st-40th in the nation. MHS was the only Ohio team to receive a speech award.

“I am extremely proud of our national qualifiers this year! Not only did Mason qualify a record number of competitors to Salt Lake City, but the students collectively achieved the highest speech honor to date at Nationals,” shared MHS Speech & Debate advisor Melissa Donahue. “These accomplishments are a true testament to the hard work and perseverance demonstrated on a national stage.”

In addition to the team's accomplishments, several members had significant performances at nationals, including Chinmay Bakshi, Prajwal Hegde, Vinay Naik, the team of Dominick Peraino and Rahul Ramesh, Nihar Rama and Ajay Saraf.

Name

Grade

Event

Place

Chinmay Bakshi

Junior

International Extemporaneous Speaking

Quarter-Finalist

Prajwal Hegde

Sophomore

Congressional Debate

Semi-Finalist

Vinay Naik

Senior

Informative Speaking

Quarter-Finalist

Dominick Peraino &

Rahul Ramesh

Senior & Sophomore

Public Forum Debate

Unanimous wins from all preliminary judges and advanced through two series of rounds.

Nihar Rama

Junior

Extemporaneous Speaking

6th

Ajay Saraf

Senior

Extemporaneous Speaking

31st

The Mason City Schools Board of Education recognized the team's accomplishments during its June 8 meeting. "Not only are we proud of the team’s incredible competitive accomplishments, but also of your development as strong communicators, critical thinkers, researchers, problem solvers and leaders,” said Courtney Allen, School Board President.